History of Art

History of Art

BA,
3-4 years

This is for you if... you are enthused by painting, sculpture, and architecture, and would like to learn more about the context and theory behind them.

Course Description

This course is designed to develop your appreciation for art by revealing the details of its history and placing it in its historical context. You will explore art as a reflection of its historical context – a window into the past. You will learn about the changing modes and fashions of art that have developed since classical antiquity and the various artists, sculptors and architects that have pioneered change in their fields. You will also develop your ability to discuss and critique art in a professional manner that takes into account the essential texts surrounding the history of art. You will gain an excellent ‘object-based’ understanding of how to interpret and decode visual imagery, iconography and styles. And, finally, you will be introduced to the many career applications of a history of art degree.

You will critically examine and debate key themes and study areas such as:

the role of art in society

the effect of art upon human emotion, psychology and behaviour

the relationship between the written word and the visual image

the desire for artists to innovate and be new, versus the pull of tradition and precedent

the nature of creativity and the notion of artistic ‘genius'

preservation, heritage and exhibition curating

Experience is as much a part of this course as academic discussion. You will have the opportunity to take part in a subsidised, three-week study tour of Italy. The trip will include Rome, Siena, Florence, and Venice - all of which are home to the finest examples of Renaissance art, sculpture, and architecture. This trip will be with a specialist lecturer who is on hand to guide you through your studies.

You will also undertake study in local galleries, learning about exhibition design, and do coursework with practical vocational applications, such as in the field of heritage listing.

Why Leicester?

History of Art at Leicester was ranked 4th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2017, and number one for Graduate Prospects.

The University's award-winning Attenborough Arts Centre has a growing national reputation for courses, performances and exhibitions.

Our research includes: contemporary art, photography and sculpture; Modernist architecture; British and American cinema and television; media, videogames and comics.

You will gain important insights into the art world from academic staff who have extensive experience of curating exhibitions large and small.

Course Structure

Year 1

Year 1

You will be introduced to the history of art, including painting, sculpture and architecture, from classical antiquity through to the present day. You will also learn how to visually analyse and decode the style and iconography of paintings, and experience the many vocational applications of this degree, for example in exhibition curatorship.

Core modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2

Year 2

You will study Renaissance art, sculpture and architecture as preparation for your study tour to Italy over the Easter vacation, which will be one of the highlights of the course. You will also study two modules on the theme of ‘negotiations with the past’, exploring the complex interplay of traditional values with more ‘progressive’ social forces and artistic ideals. As well as looking at classic 19th and 20th century movements, such as Impressionism and Surrealism, these modules will also give you the opportunity to study the history of heritage preservationist movements in the arts and in museology.

Modules

Italian Art and Architecture 1400-1600

Modernity and Tradition: Art from the French Revolution to World War II

Italy Trip

Revivalism and Heritage

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year Abroad (optional)

Year Abroad (optional)

If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to work in the private sector, the state sector, a non-governmental organisation, or become self-employed you will find the experience invaluable. Find out more from our International Office.

Please note that a year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See our Fees and Funding section for details.

History of Art and Film at Leicester has links with several European universities, administered through the European Erasmus scheme. If you attend one of these, you may be eligible for an Erasmus grant if you comply with European Commission rules and regulations. If you are eligible for a loan from Student Finance you can apply for a travel grant from them. During your second year at Leicester you will receive appropriate language training.

For the latest information on the future of the Erasmus scheme at UK universities please see our Brexit microsite.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Final Year

Final Year

In your final year you will write a 10,000-word dissertation on a subject of your choice, supported through lectures, presentations and one-to-one tutorials with your supervisor. You will also take a theory module on philosophical aesthetics and art psychology as well as a biographical module offering a sustained, in-depth look into the life, work and legacy of a single Renaissance artist where the myth frequently obscures the reality, such as Leonardo or Michelangelo. Finally, you will be able to choose an option module – which reflects the current research interests of members of academic staff – in which you will investigate a single research-intensive topic.

Option modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Major/Minor Degrees

Major/Minor degrees enable you to create your own degree. You can study a core area in depth (your major subject), while also exploring an additional area (your minor subject).

Why not complement your Major with a subject that you enjoyed before, or which has vocational elements that can boost your career prospects? Alternatively, you may want to try something completely new that you’ve always been interested in, like a language.

Teaching and Assessment

Your degree will be taught through a series of lectures, seminars, personal tutorials, interactive student presentations, IT training, field trips, and site visits to galleries, exhibitions, and museums, both in the UK and abroad.

Your course will start quite ‘traditionally’ with lots of lectures, and as you gain confidence and knowledge you will be expected to make substantive contributions to class discussion and debate, effectively taking charge of the trajectory of your own learning. Ultimately, you will be able to present your ideas formally and informally to large groups, and also to craft a dissertation around your own interests. Classes are small and informal, creating an excellent teaching and learning experience.

Contact hours average around nine to twelve hours per week, not counting unscheduled tutorials and personal tutor meetings, as well as a substantial amount of preparation. Your assessments will be evaluated by two separate markers and/or moderated, which – given the subjective nature of our discipline – is the only way to guarantee the most accurate assessment of its quality.

You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss your progress. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether academic, financial, housing, career, or social.

Entry Requirements

A/AS-levels: BBB at A-Level. Two AS-Levels considered in place of one A-Level. General Studies is accepted.

EPQ with A-levels: BBC at A-Level + EPQ at grade B. Two AS-Levels considered in place of one A-Level. General Studies is accepted.

Access to HE Diploma: Pass relevant diploma with 45 credits at level 3 including some at distinction.

International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 28 points.

BTEC Nationals: Pass Diploma with DDM.

Other national and international qualifications considered.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you can apply for the International Foundation Year run by our dedicated International Study Centre. The ISC provides academic and English language support to help you progress to your chosen undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester.

Second Year Entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.

Selection Process

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the department.

International Qualifications

Fees and Funding

Starting in 2017

An inflationary increase (2.8% based on RPIX*) in tuition fees and student support loans have been announced by the Government for 2017. This is still subject to formal parliamentary approval however, if approved, fees for 2017/18 entry could rise to £9,250 in 2017/18.

After 2017/18, the tuition fee you pay may increase annually in line with inflation (RPIX) and is subject to government regulations.

(*RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to all items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.)

Starting in 2017

Career Opportunities

We have excellent links with the arts industries. Our Careers Director has worked in the curating of exhibitions, in art journal editing, and in the auction house sector, and is ideally placed to advise on careers in these areas.

We run a programme of careers talks by leading experts in the arts and film industries, who provide unique insight into both traditional and nontraditional employment pathways.

The modules 'Film Production' and 'Film Journalism' have an applied focus – helping you develop the skills and knowledge required for careers in these areas.

Internship opportunities are available in a number of fields, from museum and auction house work to journal editing and film studio work.

Careers

Our Career Development Service is here to support you, with advice on interviews, CVs, work experience, volunteering, and more. From Freshers’ Week to Graduation and beyond, they are here to help you reach your professional goals.